Just Enforce Laws That Exist

September 27, 1997|The Morning Call

To the Editor:

The other day, I had a pressing need to get from here to Harrisburg in a hurry. I decided to exceed the speed limit. It was important that I do so because I needed to be on time. A state trooper stopped me for speeding.

I told him that I didn't recall my speed. I didn't recall speeding. I was unaware of speeding laws. I was unaware they applied to me. If I was speeding, it was because it was important to get to Harrisburg. Someone said it would be OK. I didn't recall who said it. I said I was unaware of any controlling legal authority.

The trooper was unimpressed, and reiterated the speed limit law.

I told him that it's no big deal because everybody does it. Besides, we need reform. We need better and more restrictive speed laws that will force us all -- not just me -- to obey the speed limits. What about all the others who've been breaking the law for years?

He said, "Buddy, you sound just like the newspapers making excuses for Clinton and Gore and the DNC!"

He gave me a ticket and went on his way -- enforcing the laws that already exist -- and that I had already broken.